Tuesday, August 25, 2015

A great big thanks to great and powerful Oz the Terrier's Mama for helping fix a problem I've had with my blog the past three weeks. We were besides ourselves trying to solve the issue and we reached out to them because we learned through Blogpawsthat they were helpful experts! Lo and behold within minutes we were back to sharing with the world. We are forever grateful! We're sending big woofs and many thanks your way Gina Caballero!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Sadly, my friend and playmate, Weasel has passed away. He was only 15 years old. In the past year he was sleeping a lot more than ever. But at times still wanted to play each chance he could, we would play, but not so much noticing that afterwards he would walk a lot slower. Weasel would sleep so deeply, we often had to nudge him awake. He would bark at nothing at times seemingly because he could not hear. We would have to signal to him to come in or touch him so that he could follow us. Weasel only seemed to slow down more and not eat as much, but not stopping completely like our other dogs. The Friday before he passed was like any other, he went outside, enjoyed the sunshine and did not want to eat. We picked up some things he loved, hamburger and hot dog - and he ate it all! The next day we added water to his food and he ate most of it. Back to normal, we thought. In the past year, some people we spoke to told us that we should put him down because he was so old. That he was suffering. That there was no reason to let him 'go on' like this. To some people, seeing an animal they've loved and cared for age is painful, and perhaps they themselves suffer to see their beloved pet not be so young anymore or playful. Maybe they are really projecting and putting an animal down would end their own suffering - but they would never say that. Taking longer to walk, get up, go out or play or all those things that signal 'old age.' Everyone takes care of their pets the best they know how, and for us, we believe in letting a pet live out their life fully through old age. The only exception to this would be if they had been severely injured beyond hope. We don't want to choose. Who is to say an animal is suffering from being old -- something that occurs naturally? There are a lot of people who go to the vet to end their pet's 'suffering.' In our eyes, it does not seem right for a pet to go to a place they absolutely hated as the last place they go. Though not for everyone, we believe a pet should pass at home, surrounded by those who loved him, with their things, their bedding, their warm comforts and sounds of their family and home. This to us is dying peacefully, without pain and suffering. Just like Weasel did, in his bed while sleeping. We miss him immensely.

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About Me

I was born January 1, 2007. I immediately began extensive training towards certification for the CGC, therapy, behavior and services. I visit and work with Silver Cross and South Suburban Hospitals, Ronald MacDonald House, Hines VA, nursing homes, schools, libraries, help children improve their reading skills and participate in health fairs and programs geared to bring therapy assistance to the community. You may have seen me in a commercial for the Lucy Pet Foundation, on the Hallmark Channel. I also appeared on DogTV's K9 Fit Club - their opening sequences (the little dog on the ball) and on two episodes of the program. I was also a WCIU TV Channel 26 Top Dog (twice), have been on a few commercials and appeared several times at the International Kennel Club Show in Chicago modeling. I love modeling, you may have seen me at Chicago's Fashion Fest run way show, Chicago Sun Times' Holiday Guide and several more (see the photos and videos on this site). American Dog Media Magazine featured me on their "Famous Dogs with Friends on Facebook" Pages and I have a community column about me in the Tinley Junction titled "Piranha's Tales" and run South Suburban Chihuahua group with over 200 members. We work with various charitable organizations, helping local shelters, rescues and fosters. I love to travel. Some of my favorite places are Colorado, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and my favorite is Marco Island. I enjoy going to see movies, ballet, sports events and live theater. I love school! I learned to hi-five, hide, roll-over, bang-bang, sit pretty, patty cake, take a bow, wave hello and shake paw. My favorite foods are bananas (of course), carrots and broccoli. I love my best friend Birdie (a cocker spaniel) fluffy blankets, floppy toys, sunshine on my belly and lying on fresh green grass.

Modeling at the International Kennel Club Show for Sophisticated Pup - 2012

Modeling at the International Kennel Club Show for Sophisticated Pup - 2013

Dancing for Anything Canine Boutique in California - 2012

Daisy

My crazy Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound mix sister. Daisy's bday is her rescued date 10/03/08. Before she came to live with us, we learned she was abused, kept outdoors with some vicious dogs and starved. She came with a lot of baggage and hates males. She pretty much does not like to play with others and only loves me and wants to be left alone (a la Greta Garbo). She is very bossy, feisty and bites! Weasel, Monkey and I just do what she says - and nobody gets hurt!

Monkey

My pain-in-the hind failed foster brother Monkey. Monkey's bday is April 06, 2011. Monkey's mother and father were given up because the owner had cancer. Monkey was taken in as a foster but was rejected when the families found he was too small. He soon developed severe bleeding (back there) which continued on for two months. Several hundreds of dollars later, my daddy said Monkey should just live with us forever (and that he loved him). Now I have a fun brother to play with. Though he sometimes annoys me, takes my food, my bed, my toys. Everything.